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OER4Schools/Review of group work: Difference between revisions
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{{OER4S}} | {{OER4S | ||
|title={{Get session title}} | |||
|session=3.5 | |||
}}{{OER4SchoolsWSInfo | |||
|intention={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/intention intro}} | |||
* ways of consolidating learning about group work | |||
* strategies for dealing with group work issues i.e making sure that all students participate, how best to arrange groups to make good use of resources etc | |||
* reflecting in a way that makes learning explicit by giving specific examples of where learning has taken place (or not) | |||
= | |success criteria={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/criteria intro}} | ||
* complete a questionnaire on group work practices/strategies and plan an agenda to use these in the classroom | |||
* take part in a brainstorm to come up with strategies for dealing with group work issues | |||
* listen to a Zambian teacher's portfolio reflection and work on making portfolio reflections more meaningful | |||
* | |ict={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/ICT intro}} | ||
* Introduction of EtherPad in the classroom | |||
{{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/ICT intro students}} | |||
* you will ... | |||
}} | |||
= {{name for review of follow up}} = | |||
{{review of follow up}} | |||
= Consolidating aspects of group work = | |||
{{ednote|text= | {{ednote|text= | ||
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Give the participants at least 20 minutes to fill in the questionnaire, especially Section D. More time can also be given if needed by the participants. | Give the participants at least 20 minutes to fill in the questionnaire, especially Section D. More time can also be given if needed by the participants. | ||
It is important that participants think about the meaning of each aspect as discussed during the previous sessions (not their own interpreted meaning) and its implementation in their classrooms. They can refer to the previous sessions (online or on paper) for this. | It is important that participants think about the meaning of each aspect as discussed during the previous sessions (not their own interpreted meaning) and its implementation in their classrooms. They can refer to the previous sessions (online or on paper) for this. Remember, the unit overview is a good place to look to be reminded about what material is covered in each session. The questionnaire draws on material covered in sessions 1.3 (seating arrangements) and 1.4 (sharing resources) as these are relevant to group work, as is the use of classroom assistants. | ||
You can ask the participants to write their responses in their first language if it will help in expressing their thoughts. | You can ask the participants to write their responses in their first language if it will help in expressing their thoughts. | ||
Encourage participants to answer carefully the last question in the questionnaire. They should think about their agenda regarding teaching through group work. This will be required for | Encourage participants to answer carefully the last question in the questionnaire. They should think about their agenda regarding teaching through group work. This will be required for the fourth activity of the session. | ||
}} | }} | ||
In Unit 3 you have discussed and reflected on a variety of topics related to group work. Here is a list for recap: | In Unit 3 you have discussed and reflected on a variety of topics related to group work. Here is a list for recap: | ||
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* Group composition and formation | * Group composition and formation | ||
* Ground rules for group work | * Ground rules for group work | ||
* Carousel of activities for group work | * Carousel of activities for group work | ||
* | * Mixed pace group work and differentiation | ||
* Talking Points activity for promoting group interaction | * Talking Points activity for promoting group interaction | ||
{{activity|ia|: Completing a questionnaire on different aspects of group work.|20}} Answer the questionnaire on group work. You will notice that it also contains some questions on other aspects of the programme that are relevant to group work eg sharing resources. Be honest about your responses for Sections A and C. Be reflective about your responses for Section D. Carefully and realistically plan your agenda for carrying out group work in your classroom, taking account of mixed pace group work and differentiation. | |||
[[File:Group Questionnaire on Group Work.jpeg|center|600px]] | |||
[[File:Group Questionnaire on Group Work 2.jpeg|center|600px]] | |||
[[File:Group Questionnaire on Group Work 3.jpeg|center|600px]] | |||
{{activity| | {{activity|wcd| on the meaning of the different aspects of group work.|10}} Take turns to recap meaning of the different aspects of group work and share your responses from Section D (Column D). This means that one participant explains the meaning of one aspect of group work briefly. Other participants share their responses as listed in Section D of the questionnaire for this aspect. Then another participant explains the meaning of another aspect followed by sharing of responses. | ||
= | = Revisiting issues of group work= | ||
In Unit 3 you have also discussed and reflected on issues about teaching through group work. Some persistent issues are: | In Unit 3 you have also discussed and reflected on issues about teaching through group work. Some persistent issues are: | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{activity| | {{activity|wcd|: Brainstorm on practical strategies for handling group work issues.|10}} It is inevitable that you would have discussed some of the issues about group work during the first activity. Now, extend the previous discussion and brainstorm strategies that you can use for resolving the issues mentioned above. Suggest realistic and practical strategies that the facilitator can record on the flipchart or concept mapping software (see [http://orbit.educ.cam.ac.uk/wiki/OER4Schools/2.4_Concept_mapping| Unit 2, Session 4] for concept mapping). | ||
{{ednote|text= | {{ednote|text= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
= | = Practising group work with the EtherPad application= | ||
{{ednote|text= | {{ednote|text= | ||
For this activity you will need a blank EtherPad file. (At Chalimbana Basic School, use your [[CBS server]], and follow the link to EtherPad - see [[CBS server|here for help]].) | For this activity you will need a blank EtherPad file. (At Chalimbana Basic School, use your [[CBS server]], and follow the link to EtherPad - see [[CBS server|here for help]].) | ||
Form 3 groups of 2-4 participants in advance, each with a computer and all 3 computers sharing the same EtherPad file. Allot a name to each group, such as Group 1, Group 2, Group 3. | Form 3 groups of 2-4 participants in advance, each with a computer and all 3 computers sharing the same EtherPad file. Allot a name to each group, such as Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, or Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6 if teachers want to work in same-grade groups. | ||
While choosing participants in each group, try to include one participant who is fast at typing. | While choosing participants in each group, try to include one participant who is fast at typing. | ||
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The advantage of working with EtherPad is that different groups can collaborate in real time. So groups can simultaneously work on one topic and see each other’s contributions in different colours. | The advantage of working with EtherPad is that different groups can collaborate in real time. So groups can simultaneously work on one topic and see each other’s contributions in different colours. | ||
{{activity| | {{activity|wcd|: Suggesting open questions for use with the EtherPad.|5}} As a whole group, suggest a topic to your facilitator on which you would like to work in groups as well as collaborate across groups. It is suggested that you select a topic that some of you plan to teach soon in your classes. Some suggestions of topics which can be relevant across grades are: | ||
* Importance of Zambia’s Heroes day or Unity day | * Importance of {{Zambia|Zambia’s Heroes day or Unity day}}{{Kenya|Kenya's Mashujaa day (heros day)}} | ||
* Prevention of communicable diseases | * Prevention of communicable diseases | ||
* Causes of different types of pollution | * Causes of different types of pollution | ||
* Factors affecting vegetation in Zambia | * Factors affecting vegetation in {{Zambia|Zambia}}{{Kenya|Kenya}} | ||
* Good practices of rearing cattle | * Good practices of rearing cattle | ||
* Scientific concepts such as Force, Friction or Gravity | * Scientific concepts such as Force, Friction or Gravity | ||
Remember to form an open question for the topic that you choose (discussed in Unit 2, Session 2). This will help different groups to think beyond basic facts and use reasoning. | Remember to form an open question for the topic that you choose (discussed in [http://orbit.educ.cam.ac.uk/wiki/OER4Schools/2.2_Questioning| Unit 2, Session 2]). This will help different groups to think beyond basic facts and use reasoning. | ||
{{activity| | {{activity|stgw|: Answering open questions on EtherPad using exploratory talk.|10}} Discuss the answers using exploratory talk (remind yourselves of this presentation from the beginning of this unit if necessary - {{File|Unit 3.1 Group Work for Interactive Teaching.ppt}} ) and type answers that you have agreed on the EtherPad. | ||
{{ednote|text= | {{ednote|text= | ||
Visit each group and spend some time assisting them. You can help in solving any issues that they might be having with technology or importantly help to think of answers to the open question. Remember not to suggest answers but ask questions that will prompt them to think of answers. | Visit each group and spend some time assisting them. You can help in solving any issues that they might be having with technology or importantly help them to think of answers to the open question. Remember not to suggest answers but ask questions that will prompt them to think of answers. | ||
Encourage group members to discuss their answers to the open question using exploratory talk and to try to reach a consensus before typing their answers. | Encourage group members to discuss their answers to the open question using exploratory talk and to try to reach a consensus before typing their answers. | ||
Allow 20 minutes for the activity. | Allow 20 minutes in total for the three parts of the activity. Keep the activity moving along at a lively pace. | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{activity| | {{activity|wcd|: Reflection on EtherPad activity.|5}} Reflect on the questions below as a group: | ||
* What would be the teacher’s role in planning, carrying out and concluding group work using EtherPad? (Clues: deciding groups, managing technology, interacting with pupils to assist them in learning, facilitating group talk) | * What would be the teacher’s role in planning, carrying out and concluding group work using EtherPad? (Clues: deciding groups, managing technology, interacting with pupils to assist them in learning, facilitating group talk) | ||
* Think about whether any of the scenarios mentioned below happen in your classroom. What would you do if...? | * Think about whether any of the scenarios mentioned below have happened or could happen in your classroom. What would you do if...? | ||
** (1) one EtherPad stops working | |||
** (2) one pupil is dominating the use of EtherPad in the group | |||
** (3) one pupil is not interested in the group task with EtherPad | |||
** (4) pupils are concentrating only on typing and are not discussing the answers | |||
** (5) time is over but pupils still want to continue on the task | |||
= | = Planning group work in the classroom with EtherPad = | ||
{{activity| | {{activity|stgw| : Planning in pairs or small groups to use EtherPad for group work in the classroom.|20}} In your responses to the questionnaire, you have decided an agenda related to group work for next week. Combine this agenda with use of EtherPads that you have just done. With a '''same grade buddy/buddies''' plan your teaching to take action on the agenda combined with use of EtherPad for collaborative writing. Use the [[OER4Schools/activity template|activity template]] for planning. | ||
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning the activity for your pupils: | Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning the activity for your pupils: | ||
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* The question should require '''detailed discussion'''. Encourage reasoning and exploratory talk during this discussion. For example, for each of the personalities listed above, pupils can state their choice, agree and disagree with reasons. | * The question should require '''detailed discussion'''. Encourage reasoning and exploratory talk during this discussion. For example, for each of the personalities listed above, pupils can state their choice, agree and disagree with reasons. | ||
* The written output after discussion of the question should be '''short'''. Ideally it should not be more than one word or sentence. It is important to minimise typing for time management. For example, students will choose one personality as answer to the above question. | * The written output in EtherPad after discussion of the question should be '''short'''. Ideally it should not be more than one word or sentence. It is important to minimise typing for time management. For example, students will choose one personality as answer to the above question. | ||
* The question should also stimulate '''discussion across groups'''. For example, different groups can discuss their choice of personality or one group can propose a name, another group can give a reason for why they agree or disagree that that person is a hero. Each group should have good reasons for their choice. | * The question should also stimulate '''discussion across groups'''. For example, different groups can discuss their choice of personality or one group can propose a name, another group can give a reason for why they agree or disagree that that person is a hero. Each group should have good reasons for their choice. | ||
= | = {{Name for ICT practice with dtgw}} = | ||
* The questionnaire on group work is available electronically. Type the answers that you have written on paper, | {{:OER4Schools/ICT/include}} | ||
= {{Name for connecting with overarching goals}} = | |||
{{Activity for connecting with overarching goals}} | |||
{{ednote|text = | |||
Spend a few minutes discussing any issues that participants may have and then move straight on to the next activity which focuses on reflection and is a continuation of the focus on reflection activity in the previous session. | |||
}} | |||
=Focus on reflection= | |||
{{activity|otr|: Listening to a Zambian teacher's audio reflection on a talking points activity followed by individual work on portfolios.|15}} | |||
We now listen to a clip that was recorded after the teacher (Judith) had use talking points with her lesson. She is reflecting on the talking points activity and recording her own thoughts about how the pupils responded to the activity. Notice how she uses a specific example and records what the pupils said. She reflects on how successful (or otherwise) her planning was and concludes that there were too many talking points for the pupils to get through in the time allowed. | |||
{{speechbubble|text= | |||
''“Very few groups completed writing reasons to all sentences due to too many talking points but interactive teaching and learning took place.”'' | |||
}} | |||
'''Judith portfolio - talking points''': | |||
{{: Video/Judith portfolio recording - talking points.mp3 }} | |||
{{transcript|text= | |||
''''Transcript for clip 1:''' | |||
{{: Video/Judith portfolio recording - talking points.mp3/transcript }} | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Judith portfolio - talking points.jpg|right|300px]] | |||
The image here shows a copy of Judith's portfolio submission for this activity. In this case she has written her reflection and then recorded herself reading it. It is not necessary to present two versions of your reflections, one or other would be fine. How are your portfolios's coming on? Ask yourself the following questions: | |||
* When you reflected on the talking points activity did you record the subject and topic of the lesson? | |||
* Did you comment on how the pupils specifically/personally responded to the talking points? | |||
* Where there any unexpected points made by the pupils? | |||
* Did your talking points spark a discussion between pupils (as it did in Judith's case with the snake)? If so, what was is? | |||
* What evidence do you have that interactive teaching and learning took place? This will most likely come from the conversations that took place between the pupils so you should record this in your reflection. | |||
* What adjustments will you make when you do the talking points activity again? | |||
Use the remaining time now to work on your portfolios, making sure that your reflections are meaningful and in enough depth with enough detail. You should include at least one portfolio entry based on an aspect of group work. Work with a partner if you would find it useful to have their feedback on what you have written. Use Judith's portfolio entry as a useful example to follow if you are unsure about how much to write. | |||
{{ednote|text= | |||
Ensure that participants are fully aware of what makes a good 'reflection'. Agness's reflections from the previous session contained a useful general description of the talking points activity and Judith's reflection contains a specific example of talking points in action - both of these reflections contain useful information. The 'perfect' reflection with contain both elements i.e Agness's description of the activity + Judith's detailed critical account of how the activity went. | |||
}} | |||
= Follow-up activities = | |||
{{activity|Agreeing follow up activities|5}} | |||
{{fup|A}} The '''questionnaire on group work''' is available electronically (on the server). Type the answers that you have written on paper, into the electronic version. As soon as you download the questionnaire, first save it using the filename - [Your Name] Q on GW.doc (fill in your name in the space mentioned [Your Name] but without the brackets [ ], e.g “Susan Q on GW.doc”. Save/upload it onto the server once you have completed it. | |||
{{fup|B}} Carry out the '''lesson activity using EtherPads''' that you have planned using the activity template. Record your reflections on the dictaphone. | |||
{{CBS specific| | |||
Note that under each teacher’s name, in the classroom resources section on your [[CBS server|homepage]], you will see several EtherPad files already set up, ready for students to use. Divide the class so as to use all the EtherPads or as many as you need for your class size, then assign groups to each one and make sure they use the right EtherPad for their group. For more information, see [[CBS server]]. | |||
}} | |||
{{setting of follow up}} | |||
{{activity summary}} | |||
{{OER4S_NextSession}} | |||
